Participants Put to Test

Post date: Apr 26, 2016 6:15:32 PM

Back: Aaron Kukla (11), Payson Dirk (12), Nathan Wise (12), Bridger Gordon (10), Chance Greco (11), Jacob West (10), Chandler Wilson (11). Middle: Madison Kreutz (9), Sammie Colvin (12), Natalie Hilton (12), Taya Swanson (12), Haley Schipke (11), Tanner Vansickle (11),Shad Kuenzel (11), Tristan Zook (12), Madison Pankratz (10). Front: Anna Hale (9), Cody Cline (10, Kirsten Anderson (12), Magan Vaughn (11), Danielle Allan (11), McKenzie Durand (9), Grayson Nelson (10), Megan Anderson (11) and Molly Buchholz (10). photo by staff

Bridger Gordon, staff

The Chadron Scholastic Contests, hosted by Chadron State College, tested regional students on their knowledge in various academic fields. SBHS students recently travelled to Nebraska to compete against 46 other schools and 1500 students in the contests, showcasing their skills.

Sturgis students left the high school bright and early to make the trip to Chadron. Throughout the day, students took tests and toured the college campus. Tests covered all aspects of academics, from chemistry to physical education. Seniors who took first place in a contest were offered a $1000 scholarship to Chadron State College.

SBHS was very successful at the Chadron Scholastic Contests. Top 25 percent individuals included Payson Dirk (12) who placed first and Tanner Brengle (12) who finished in fifth in the Physical Education/Sports Knowledge competition. Bridger Gordon (10) was named the winner of the World History contest. Cody Cline (10) took first place in the Simulated News Reporting contest and third place in the Photojournalism competition. The team of Chance Greco (11) and Tanner VanSickle (11) placed second in the Eagle Cook-Off, where they made a pizza-style grilled cheese sandwich. Taking third place in the Art Drawing contest was Haley Schipke (11). Natalie Hilton (12) was awarded fourth place in the Flash Fiction contest. Grayson Nelson (10) placed fifth in the Algebra II test. Other participants included Tristan Zook (12), Taya Swanson (12), Kirsten Anderson (12), Samantha Colvin (12), Nathan Wise (11), Aaron Kukla (11), Chandler Wilson (11), Shad Kuenzel (11), Megan Andersen (11), Magan Vaughn (11), Danielle Alan (11), Jacob West (10), Madison Pankratz (10), Molly Buchholz (10), McKenzie Durand (9), Anna Hale (9) and Madison Kreutz (9).

In preparation for the tests, students learned new information and skills.

“The test this year really helped me learn what I didn’t know. Now I can go learn what I missed and come back next year - hopefully a bit wiser,” Jacob West (10) said. “I would like people to know that the tests aren’t to judge you, but rather, they help you learn what you didn’t know. After all, the ones who are ahead of the curve are the ones who know what they don’t know.”

West competed in the Photojournalism and Business Law Contests.

“For a first timer,” Natalie Hilton (12) said, “Chadron was a wonderful way for me to take my writing to an actual contest. I’ve never competed with other authors like that before and it’s an honor to be in the top 25 percent.”

Hilton competed in the Flash Fiction competition, writing a fictional story in a short period of time.

“I enjoyed the lunch time because it was a good way for me to unwind with my friends after a stressful test,” Hilton said.

“The Chadron Scholastic Contest helped me further my skills,” Tanner VanSickle (11) said. “For instance, I improved my kitchen abilities with the Eagle Cook-Off where Chance and I placed second with our grilled cheese sandwich. I would highly encourage that even if you are not fond of all subjects, the variety of tests will lend itself to you.”

The Chadron Scholastic Contest is an annual event that students are encouraged to join next year to further challenge and stretch their skills.